The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-30
THE TREASON TRIALS.
Col. Mclean Denies the, Statements Made in a
Recent Interview with L. P Miliigan.
q Che Editor Of the 1ndianapolis Journal.

70 the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
| My attention has just been called TO an
| article taken from the Chicago Times
purporting to be interview with
Lambdin p. Aiillgan by correspond
ent of that paper regard to his trial by the
military commission on the charge of treason.
| vas member of the commission, having been
detailed npon it by General Hovey when it was
inst instituted, and was preseut during its en-
u'e oehoerations, occupying several weeks
While the commission was unanimous as to the
quit or Bowieo. the evidence against him being
overwhelming, 1t was not unit as to the degree
of guilt in Mr.. Mligan's case. and /, with three
other members OF the court, voted against the
infiistion of the highest penalty as to him Sub
seqantly, united with the members of the
court agreeing with me and others in a request to
President johnson. urging a commutation of the
sentence as to Milligan. am satisfied that Mr.
Milhgan in his interview, the correspondent
speaking for him, has done a gross injustice
both to Governor Morton and the court indi-
vdually and collectively. when it is asserted that
''but for his [Morton'sl influence with the com
mission the night of their final action, and his
promise to its members that he EMilliganl should
never be harmed. that he would not have been
convicted of the charge of treason" Although
/ was in almost daily intercourse with Gov
ernor Morton during the progress of these
treason trials, it is due alike to Governor Nor
ton and especially to the court
to state that he at any time. directly
or indirectly, referred to the subject matter of
the investigation then pending before the court,
attempted to influence it in any way, far
1 know. Such charge is an impeachment
of the honor and manhood of every member of
the commission. / think Gov. Morton had too
lob e.,
officers and gentlemen, nearly all of whom were
in the military service bearing his commissions,
to attempt to influence them to their action
in a case where the life or liberty of a citizen
was in issue.
1 say. after a lapse of twenty-three years,
with entire confidence, that he certainly never at
tempted to influence my individual action
as member of said commission, do be-
lieve that he sought to influence the action of
any other member Of the court This trial oc-
Cured during time Of widespread excitement,
when the country was in it's most critical per-
iod, when the worst passions of men We're likely
to be in the ascendant. but in justification of my
brother officers and myself who constituted this
commission, / will say that were fully i'm
pressed with tho terrible responsibility devolv-
ing upon us, and each and every one of u.s.
believe, was governed in our action simply by
the dictates OF our own consciences and better
judgments. AS for myself. had grave doubts
at the time of the legality of such a commission
in State not in rebellion, and where the civil
courts were in full operation. These doubts
influenced to greater or less degree other men,
bers of the court well as myself but were
acting under the orders of superior officer in
time of war, and doubted the right of the
individual members of the commission to ques-
ton TOO closely the legality of its institution.
To do so would be. in effect. a breach of military
discipline The charge of Mr.. Millgan involves
a reflection upon Governor Morton and his fair
fame, impe achment upon his honor. his in
tegrity end his wisdom, alike unjust it is un-
founded. VIM. E. MCLEAN
WASHINGTON. d. c.. Aug. %.